On-line randomness test for detecting irregular pattern

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a method and apparatus for testing random numbers generated by a random number generator in real time. As a series of random numbers are generated, a number of bits that have the value of a predetermined logic value at a specific, predefined range of intervals is determined and then applied to an exponential averaging operation (A). Thereafter, it is determined whether the generated random numbers are predictable by comparing the output of all said exponential operations to their predetermined acceptance range.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention pertains to the field of random number generators and, in particular, to a digital data processing apparatus and method for analyzing the statistical quality of the random numbers generated in real time.

BACKGROUND OF THE RELATED ART

[0002] Random numbers are used for various applications in many electronics systems. In encryption application, random number generators are used in some forms of cryptography to provide secure transmission of messages, such that only an intended receiving end can understand the message (i.e., voice or data) transmitted by an authorized transmitting end. However, as unauthorized receivers and unauthorized transmitters become more sophisticated in breaking the generation process of the random numbers that are used in encryption of messages, the need becomes greater for generating unpredictable random numbers for secured communications.

[0003] In addition to the security breach caused by unauthorized parties, the random number generator may generate non-random numbers during operation. Heat is typically generated in the hardware component of the random number generator when it generates a series of 1's and 0's over a time period. For example, generating a 1 bit could consume more power than a 0 bit. If a long sequence of 1 bits is generated, the electrical circuit becomes hot. If the circuit generates a 1 bit if it is hot, the circuit will “latch up” and generates only 1 bits. A different effect may occur if a 0 bit is generated when the circuit is hot. In this case a long sub-sequence of 1 bits becomes too rare, which constitute a nonrandom property. In cryptographic application any of these non-randomness may have catastrophic consequences: the security will be breached.

[0004] Accordingly, both the detection of hardware tampering and a component failure are necessary when conducting randomness tests. Conventional randomness tests are performed through extensive statistical testing, such as chi-squared tests, delta tests, and the like, on a sequence of generated random numbers. However, such tests are very expensive to be performed in real time as they require a great amount of computational processing power.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention overcomes the above-described problems, and provides additional advantages, by providing a method and apparatus for providing an on-line randomness test so that the generated random numbers are sufficiently random.

[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, a method of evaluating the random numbers generated by a random number generator is provided. The method includes the steps of: generating a stream of random numbers; determining a number of bits that have a value of a predetermined logic value at a specific, predefined range of intervals; applying the number of bits indicative of the predetermined logic value to an exponential averaging operation (A); and, determining whether the generated random numbers are sufficiently random by comparing the output of all exponential averaging operations to a predetermined acceptance range. If the output of all of the exponential averaging operations (A) fall between the predetermined acceptance range, it is determined that the generated random numbers are sufficiently random (unpredictable). The exponential averaging operations (A) are updated each time a new bit is generated. The method further includes the step of notifying that the generated random sequence is not sufficiently random when the output of any of the exponential averaging operations (A) falls outside the predetermined acceptance range, and generating a new set of random sequences when this event occurs.

[0007] According to another aspect of the invention, a method of evaluating the random numbers generated by a random number generator includes the steps of: (a) generating a stream of random bits using the random number generator; (b) determining a number of bits that have a value of a predetermined logic value at a specific, predefined range of intervals; (c) performing an exponential averaging operation (A) on the number of bits indicative of the predetermined logic value; (d) comparing the output of the exponential averaging operation (A) to a predetermined acceptance range; and, (e) determining that the generated random numbers are not sufficiently random when any of the computed exponential averaging operations (A) falls outside the predetermined acceptance range. The method further includes the steps of: repeating the steps (a)-(d) until any one of the computed exponential averaging operations (A) falls outside the predetermined acceptance range, and notifying that not sufficiently random numbers are generated when the test under step (e) fails repeatedly more than a threshold value. A new set of random numbers is generated when the test under step (e) fails repeatedly more than a predetermined number of times.

[0008] According to a further aspect of the invention, an apparatus for evaluating the random numbers generated by a random number generator is provided. The apparatus includes a random generator unit for generating substantially random sequences; a detector unit, coupled to the output of the random generator unit, for detecting whether the generated random sequences are sufficiently random; and, a switching unit, coupled to the output of the random generator and the detector unit, for enabling the flow of the generated random sequences for a subsequent application when the generated random sequences are determined to be sufficiently random, wherein a number of bits that have a value of a predetermined logic value at a specific, predefined range of intervals is determined and applied to a plurality of exponential averaging operations (A) and wherein, if the output of any of the exponential averaging operations (A) falls outside a predetermined acceptance range, determining that the generated random sequences are not sufficiently random. The apparatus further comprising means for transmitting an alarm signal when the output of any of the exponential averaging operations (A) falls outside the predetermined acceptance range.

[0009] These and other advantages will become apparent to those skilled in this art upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010]FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified block diagram of the random generating module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0011]FIG. 2 shows a diagram showing the randomness test performed on a sequence of random numbers according to an embodiment of the present invention; and,

[0012]FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating the operation steps of testing the statistics of the generated random numbers according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

[0013] In the following description, for purposes of explanation rather than limitation, specific details are set forth such as the particular architecture, interfaces, techniques, etc., in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced in other embodiments, which depart from these specific details. For purposes of simplicity and clarity, detailed descriptions of well-known devices, circuits, and methods are omitted so as not to obscure the description of the present invention with unnecessary detail.

[0014]FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a system 10 capable of testing the statistics of the generated random numbers in real time according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The system 10 incorporates a random number generator (RG) 12, a detector 14, and a switch 16. The RG 12 is operable to output a series of random numbers. It should be noted that the RG 12 generates random numbers in any conventional or unconventional manner, and that the random numbers may be represented as a series of binary bits.

[0015] The detector 14 detects the random numbers outputted by the RG 12 for its randomness according to predetermined criteria (explained later), and if it passes, the switch 16 allows the generated random numbers for a subsequent application, such as any circuit, system, process, gambling application, simulation, statistical sampling, Diffie-Hellman key exchanges, or the like which uses the random numbers supplied by the RG 12. For example, the switch 16 may represent an input to a cryptography system, an audio or video noise generator, a computer program, or other devices and processes. Thus, the switch 16 is deactivated, under the control of the detector 14, to stop the transmission of the generated random numbers when the generated random numbers are deemed insufficiently random.

[0016] Now, a description will be made in detail in regards to testing the statistical quality of the random sequence with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0017] Referring to FIG. 2, the random numbers are tested in real time while the RG 12 is in operation to ensure that the generated random numbers are sufficiently random according to an embodiment of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a random number generator is considered secure if, given one or more random numbers, any other bit of the random sequence would be impossible to predict with more than 50% probability. As such, a key principle of the present invention involves testing the RG 12 given one or more random numbers to ensure that the generated random number pattern will be sufficiently random.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, a continuous stream of random values generated by the RG 12 undergoes an exponential averaging operation, in which the average frequency of either binary 0's or 1's occurring at different sets of subsequences is obtained, then compared to their respective predetermined acceptance range. If the calculated exponential average at a particular time for each average accumulator falls within the predetermined acceptance range for all subsequences, the samples are determined to be sufficiently random in accordance with the techniques of the present invention.

[0019] The randomness test as described above begins by initializing the exponential average accumulators, A_(ij). An initial value is assigned to each accumulator. The index i represents an interval skip count, and the index j represents the start position of the counting, which is between 0 and i−1. As shown in FIG. 2, the average number of occurrences for 0's at a different combination of interval subsequences is updated. For example, for the random sequence (0, 1, 0, 1, 1, 0, 0, 1), the frequency of 0's appearing in the accumulator A_(2,0) is 2 out of 3. The frequency of 0's appearing in the accumulator A_(2,1) is 1 out of 3. The frequency of 0's appearing in the accumulator A_(3,0) is 1 out of 2, and so forth. In this matter, the number of occurrences for each binary value of either 0 or 1 is counted. Thus, as each random number is generated, the frequency of 0 occurrences at different combinations of subsequences is obtained and updated. It should be noted that the counting of the binary bit of 0 is for illustrative purposes; however, it is to be understood that the counting can be done of the binary bit of 1.

[0020] In the embodiment, each time the corresponding binary frequency count is computed in each accumulator A, the old, average bits-counting value will have a diminishing effect. That is, the test to evaluate the statistical quality of the random sequence runs continuously, thus the counters must be cleared periodically. There are various counting methods that can be implemented in accordance with the techniques of the present invention; however, an exponential averaging is preferably used during the overlapping counting operation, as described below.

[0021] Each time a bit b is read, a factor, α, which falls between 0 and 1 (0<α<1), is multiplied to the A and then added to the new bit: A_(new)=α·A_(old)+b. To have useful averaging effects, the value for α is selected to be close to 1, α=1−1/n, n>>1. In this case, log α−1/n and the half-life of the averaged bit is k≈n·log 2≈0.30103·n. After n bits the weight of the oldest bit becomes (1−1/n)^(n)≈1/e≈0.367879. Here, e is the basis of the natural logarithm (the Euler constant), so the term, n, becomes the natural life of a bit. If all bits were 1's, the accumulator value is 1+α+α²+ . . . =1/(1−α)=n, whereas if all bits were 0's the accumulator value is 0. Note that the expected value of the exponential average is the exponential average of the expected values of the individual bits: ½+½α+½α²+ . . . =n/2. If every other bit was 1, the accumulator value alternates between 1+α²+α⁴+ . . . =1/(1−α²) and α+α³+α⁵+ . . . =α/(1−α²), which are very close to ½ apart [n/(2n−1)], whose mean value is also (1+α)/2(1−α)=n/2.

[0022] As described above, the exponential averaging serves to clear the counter as the accumulator is decreased with a certain 0<α<1 factor; thus, the accumulator never becomes too large during the operation mode. Once the exponential averaging is performed for each accumulator, the value of exponential averaging is compared to a predetermined acceptance range. In the embodiment, it is determined whether the generated random number pattern will be unpredictable by comparing the value of each accumulator to the predetermined acceptance range value. If the value of any accumulator falls out of the predetermined range value during counting, it is inferred that the generated random numbers would be predictable.

[0023] The simplest property one wants to test of a random sequence is that the number of 0 and 1 bits is roughly the same. Here “roughly” means that, taking n samples, the sum of the bits is within the range of [n/2−c·{square root}{square root over (n)},n/2+c·{square root}{square root over (n)}] Here, the constant c controls what percentage of all of the sequences must fall into the interval. The constant c controls what percentage of all of the sequences will fall into the interval (c/2=1 gives 68.3%, c/2=2 gives 95.4%, c/2=3 gives 99.7% etc.). The value of c and n are pre-selected by the operator or prefixed so that a good trade-off between the complexity and the strength of the test may be optimized. Accordingly, if we choose c=10, in the average only one of every 1.7 million random sequences will give a sum outside the above interval after performing n steps. If we loosen the test (i.e. choosing c=20 in the averaging test), significant non-randomness could remain undetected (i.e. small bias). Therefore, obtaining the predetermined range of [n/2−c·{square root}{square root over (n)},n/2+c·{square root}{square root over (n)}] used for testing non-randomness is determined by extensive simulations with a good, known source of random numbers.

[0024] If the exponential averaging accumulator falls out of the predetermined range, it indicates that the sequence shows an irregular distribution of 0/1 bits. Then, an alarm may be transmitted to the user to notify that the sequence may not be random or susceptible to crypto-analysis by an unauthorized party. Alternatively, a threshold value may be set to notify the user when the test fails repeatedly. As such, the exponential averaging limits can be initiated using a set of random sequence to determine whether the generated random sequence falls between the acceptable range, which is controllably set by an operator, so that a determination can be made as to whether the generated random sequence is unpredictable to an unauthorized party. In addition, a further step of testing the randomness can be achieved based on the distribution of the calculated exponential averaging values over the predetermined acceptance range. That is, the exponential averaging values must fall evenly within the predetermined acceptance range. Each time the exponential averaging value is calculated, it is monitored as to what part of the acceptance range it falls under, for example, the left half or the right half of the acceptance range. If the frequency of falling in the left-half is very different from the right-half, then this parameter can be used as an indication that the generated random numbers will not be unpredictable.

[0025]FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating the operation steps for testing the statistical quality of the random sequence in accordance with the present invention. The rectangular elements indicate computer software instruction, whereas the diamond-shaped element represents computer software instructions that affect the execution of the computer software instructions represented by the rectangular blocks. Alternatively, the processing and decision blocks represent steps performed by functionally equivalent circuits such as a digital signal processor circuit or an application-specific-integrated circuit (ASIC). It should be noted that many routine program elements, such as initialization of loops and variables and the use of temporary variables are not shown. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that unless otherwise indicated herein, the particular sequence of steps described is illustrative only and can be varied without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0026] Initially, the values for n and c for the predetermined acceptance range are prefixed or pre-selected by an operator in step 100. A series of random numbers is generated in step 120. As new random bits are generated, a set of sub-sequences, as shown in FIG. 2, is obtained in which the exponential average counting is performed in step 140. Then, the frequency count for each accumulator corresponding to a different combination of interval sub-sequences is compared to a predetermined acceptance range. If the frequency count is outside the predetermined acceptance range, it is determined that irregular patterns have been detected in step 180, and the counter is increased by 1. Otherwise, the step returns to step 120 of generating random numbers, and the counter is reset. In step 200, if the value of the counter is greater than a threshold value in step 200, a notice that the generated random numbers are non-random will be made in step 220 or the switch 16 is deactivated to stop the flow of the random numbers for a subsequent application. Alternatively, the generated random numbers can be discarded, and the whole process of generating new random numbers can be initiated. If the value of the counter does not exceed the threshold value, the step is returned to step 120.

[0027] The various steps described above may be implemented by programming them into functions incorporated within application programs, and programmers of ordinary skill in the field can implement them using customary programming techniques in languages, such as C, Visual Basic, Java, Perl, C++, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the method described in FIG. 3 may be constructed as follows (using the C programming language).

[0028] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made and equivalents substituted for elements thereof without departing from the true scope of the present invention. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt to a particular situation and the teaching of the present invention without departing from the central scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention, but that the present invention include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for evaluating the random numbers generated by a random number, the method comprising the steps of: generating a stream of random numbers; determining an average number of bits that have a value of a predetermined logic value at a specific, predefined range of intervals; applying each of the average number of bits indicative of said predetermined logic value to an exponential averaging operation (A); and, determining whether said generated random numbers are unpredictable by comparing the output of said exponential averaging operation (A) to a predetermined acceptance range.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the value of said predetermined logic value is one of 1's and 0's.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of determining that said generated random numbers are predictable when the output of said exponential averaging operation (A) falls outside said predetermined acceptance range.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of notifying that said generated random sequences are predictable when the output of said exponential averaging operations (A) falls outside said predetermined acceptance range.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of updating all said exponential averaging operations (A) each time a new bit is generated.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein said exponential averaging operation (A) is updated according to the following equation: A _(new) =α·A _(old) +b, wherein α=1−1/n, and a falls between 0 and 1 (0<α<1), and wherein b is a value comprising 1 when the average number of bits is obtained, otherwise
 0. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of generating a new set of random sequences when the output of said exponential averaging operation falls outside said predetermined acceptance range.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein said predetermined acceptance range is defined as follows: [n/2−c·{square root}{square root over (n)},n/2+c·{square root}{square root over (n)}], where c is selected to achieve a desired security threshold level.
 9. A method for evaluating the random numbers generated by a random number, the method comprising the steps of: (a) generating a stream of random numbers of binary bits using said random number generator; (b) determining an average number of bits that have a value of a predetermined logic value at a specific, predefined range of intervals; (c) computing an exponential averaging operation (A) on the average number of bits indicative of said predetermined logic value; (d) comparing the output of said exponential averaging operation (A) to a predetermined acceptance range; and, (e) determining that said generated random numbers are predictable when the output of said computed exponential averaging operation (A) falls outside said predetermined acceptance range.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of: repeating said steps (a)-(e) until said computed exponential averaging operation (A) repeatedly falls outside said predetermined acceptance range more than a predefined number of times.
 11. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of notifying that nonrandom numbers are generated when said computed exponential averaging operation (A) repeatedly falls outside said predetermined acceptance range more than a predefined number of times.
 12. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of generating a new set of random numbers when said computed exponential averaging operation (A) repeatedly falls outside said predetermined acceptance range more than a predefined number of times.
 13. The method of claim 9, further comprising the step of updating said exponential averaging operation (A) according to the following equation: A _(new) =α·A _(old) +b, wherein α=1−1/n, and α falls between 0 and 1 (0<α<1), and wherein b is a value comprising 1 when the average number of bits is obtained, otherwise
 0. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein said predetermined acceptance range is defined as follows: [n/2−c·{square root}{square root over (n)},n/2+c·{square root}{square root over (n)}], where c is selected to achieve a desired security threshold level.
 15. An apparatus for evaluating the random numbers generated by a random number, comprising: a random generator unit for generating substantially random sequences of binary bits; a detector unit, coupled to the output of said random generator unit, for detecting whether said generated random sequences are unpredictable; and, a switching unit, coupled to the outputs said random generator unit and said detector unit, for disabling the flow of said generated random sequences for a subsequent application when said generated random sequences are determined to be predictable, wherein an average number of bits that have a value of a predetermined logic value at a specific, predefined range of intervals is determined and applied to exponential averaging operations (A) and wherein, if the output of said exponential averaging operations (A) falls outside a predetermined acceptance range, determining that said generated random sequences are predictable.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising means for transmitting an alarm signal when the output of said exponential averaging operation (A) falls outside said predetermined acceptance range.
 17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said exponential averaging operation (A) is performed according to the following equation: A _(new) =α·A _(old) +b, wherein α=1−1/n, and α falls between 0 and 1 (0<α<1), and wherein b is a value comprising 1 when the average number of bits is obtained, otherwise
 0. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said predetermined acceptance range is defined as follows: [n/2−c·{square root}{square root over (n)},n/2+c·{square root}{square root over (n)}], where c is selected to achieve a desired security threshold level.
 19. A machine-readable medium having stored thereon data representing sequences of instructions, and the sequences of instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: generate a stream of random bits; determine an average number of bits that have a value of a predetermined logic value at a specific, predefined range of intervals; perform an exponential averaging operation (A) on the number of bits indicative of said predetermined logic value; and, compare the output of said exponential averaging operations (A) to a predetermined acceptance range.
 20. The machine-readable medium of claim 19, wherein said generated random numbers are determined to be predictable when said computed exponential averaging operation (A) falls outside said predetermined acceptance range.
 21. The machine-readable medium of claim 19, wherein said exponential averaging operation (A) is performed according to the following equation: A _(new) =α·A _(old) +b, wherein α=1−1/n, and α falls between 0 and 1 (0<α<1), and wherein b is a value comprising 1 when the average number of bits is obtained, otherwise
 0. 22. The machine-readable medium of claim 21, wherein said predetermined acceptance range is defined as follows: [n/2−c·{square root}{square root over (n)},n/2+c·{square root}{square root over (n)}], where c is selected to achieve a desired security threshold level. 